On Saturday 23rd March 2019, I had the honor of moderating a Crazy Rich Asians panel, Style On Screen at The FIDM Museum, featuring Costume designer, Mary Vogt, production designer, Nelson Coates and the films editor, Myron Kerstein.
With the panel giving incredible insights into everything from how they breakdown the script when they receive it, (Coates reads the last ten pages first to see how it ends..!) to finding the incredible locations (the movie was shot in multi cities spread over three countries) and just how Kerstein edited that goosebump inducing mahjong scene so beautifully despite not knowing how to play the game. Wrapping it instead around the powerful performance of Constance Wu and the battle that goes down between the characters, Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu.
As we close, Mary Vogt explains the costume choices for the scene. A switch in roles as Rachel wears a more traditional Chinese dress, whilst Eleanor wears a tailored suit much more western in style to the previous outfits she’s worn before. It's the first time we’ve see her step away from her home in the movie and she looks ready for battle in the power suit. It’s an “Avengers- Style” (Myron Kerstein) battle scene between these two women as we see a breakdown in cultural barriers as the confrontation takes place.
The movie is truly incredible, both in narrative as well as being so visually breathtaking thanks to the awe inspiring talent of the people on the panel. Be sure to check out the Crazy Rich Asians exhibition at FIDM Museum, open now until April 12th 2019.